Skier Dies After Crashing Into Chair Lift Tower

A Wenatchee man described as an advanced skier died after crashing into a chair lift tower at Mission Ridge Ski Area.

David Luck, 39, died at Central Washington Hospital of internal injuries he suffered in the Saturday afternoon accident.

Chelan County Coroner Jerry Rappe planned an autopsy by Tuesday, but said it appeared Luck died from a tear of a major vessel above the heart.

Luck, a former bus driver, was considered an advanced skier, Mission Ridge officials said.

Luck collided with the steel tower while skiing on the Lip Lip ski run about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, ski area spokesman Rick Hodas said.

The accident was the second fatality at Mission Ridge this season. Ski patrolman Steve Burchett died in December in an avalanche.